Clinical Research Fellow at University of Sheffield

Fixed term to 12 October 2025

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a project to develop and test a new device for the assessment of the collagen content and structure of the human cervix to improve prediction of spontaneous premature birth. You will participate in pilot studies to determine its potential clinical utility. The study is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Council (EPSRC), UK. 

This is a full-time role that involves a collaboration between the biophotonics group of Professor Stephen Matcher (https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/eee/people/academic-staff/stephen-matcher) and the Human Parturition Research Group of Prof Dilly Anumba (https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/smph/people/clinical-medicine/dilly-anumba), working to investigate whether cervical polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) can assist clinicians better predict spontaneous preterm birth. Dilly Anumba’s group has a strong international reputation in developing innovative technologies for preterm birth prediction. Steve Matcher’s group has a strong international reputation in biophotonics, especially the development and application of OCT techniques. Both researchers also have active collaborative links within the university, with stakeholders in other academic centers, and with industry. The postholder will join this highly interdisciplinary team consisting of engineering and medical academics, including device design engineers from Sheffield’s world-leading Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (https://www.amrc.co.uk/).

The main element of the project is undertaking the clinical studies using the device in cohorts of pregnant women at risk of preterm birth to determine its predictive potential for spontaneous preterm birth. Working as part of a small, friendly, and enthusiastic team you will take a leading role in conducting the clinical experimental studies.

You should have a good honours degree in Medicine and Surgery and a minimum of 2 years’ experience as a trainee in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Experience with providing antenatal care to high-risk pregnant women would be desirable along with experience of basic research methods and ultrasonography in obstetrics and gynaecology.

We are committed to exploring flexible working opportunities which benefit the individual and University.

We’re one of the best not-for-profit organisations to work for in the UK. The University’s Total Reward Package includes a competitive salary, a generous Pension Scheme and annual leave entitlement, as well as access to a range of learning and development courses to support your personal and professional development.

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.

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